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A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture is a laboratory test to look for bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the clear fluid that moves in the space surrounding the spinal cord.
Alternative NamesCulture - CSF; Spinal fluid culture; CSF culture
How the test is performedA sample of CSF is needed. This is usually done with a lumbar puncture. For information on how this procedure is performed, see spinal tap.
The sample is sent to the laboratory, where it is placed in a special dish (called a culture medium). The laboratory personnel watch to see if bacteria, fungi, or viruses grow in the dish. Growth means there is an infection.
How to prepare for the testFor information on how to prepare for the procedure to obtain the CSF sample, see spinal tap.
How the test will feelFor information on how it will feel to have a sample of CSF fluid removed, see spinal tap.
Why the test is performedYour doctor may order this test if you have signs of an infection that affects your brain or nervous system. The test will help identify the origin of the infection. This helps your doctor determine the best course of treatment.
Normal ValuesA normal result means no bacteria, viruses, or fungi grew in the laboratory dish. This is called a negative result.
What abnormal results meanAn abnormal result means a fungus, virus, or bacterium grew in the laboratory dish. This is considered a positive culture and is a sign of an infectious meningitis. This does not necessarily mean the infection is contagious, unless it is meningococcal meningitis.
See also:
What the risks areA laboratory culture poses no risk to the patient. For risks associated with the procedure done to get a CSF sample, see spinal tap.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoA cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture is a laboratory test to look for bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the normally clear fluid that moves in the space surrounding the spinal cord.
Alternative NamesCulture - CSF; Spinal fluid culture; CSF culture
How the test is performedA sample of CSF is needed. This is usually done with a lumbar puncture. For information on how this procedure is performed, see spinal tap.
The sample is sent to the laboratory, where it is placed in a special dish (called a culture medium). The laboratory personnel watch to see if bacteria, fungi, or viruses grow in the dish. Growth means there is an infection.
How to prepare for the testFor information on how to prepare for the procedure to obtain the CSF sample, see spinal tap.
How the test will feelFor information on how it will feel to have a sample of CSF fluid removed, see spinal tap.
Why the test is performedYour doctor may order this test if you have signs of an infection that affects your brain or nervous system. The test will help identify the origin of the infection. This helps your doctor determine the best course of treatment.
Normal ValuesA normal result means no bacteria, viruses, or fungi grew in the laboratory dish. This is called a negative result.
What abnormal results meanIf bacteria are present, you may have bacterial meningitis. Other possible infections include tuberculosis and fungal infections. Some bacteria or viruses can also be detected using special tests.
Finding bacteria does not necessarily mean the infection is contagious, unless it is meningococcal meningitis.
See also:
What the risks areA laboratory culture poses no risk to the patient. For risks associated with the procedure done to get a CSF sample, see spinal tap.
ReferencesGriggs RC, Jozefowicz RF, Aminoff MJ. Approach to the patient with neurologic disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 418.
Swartz MN. Meningitis: bacterial, viral, and other. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 437.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 08/14/2010
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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What is the normal pH of cerebrospinal fluid and bile?
cerebrospinal fluid -- 7.3
Cavities in the brain contain?
VENTRICLES. :) they contain cerebrospinal fluid .! ----THE ANATOMY STUDENT
How does cerebrospinal fluid contribute to buoyancy?
1- gravity of cerebrospinal fluid= gravity of brain 2- density of cerebrospinal fluid is higher than density of brain
Is cerebrospinal fluid found in the frontal sinus?
No, cerebrospinal fluid is not normally found in the sinuses.
Cerebrospinal fluid leak ICD-9 code?
If the cerebrospinal fluid is leaking from the nose/mouth it is called Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea and that code is 349.81. If the fluid is leaking from the ears, it is called Cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea and that code is 388.61. Brenda M. St. Louis, MO
Does the central canal contain cerebrospinal fluid?
yes the canal does contain cerebrospinal fluid....
Do the skull meninges and cerebrospinal fluid protect the brain?
The skull, meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid protect the brain.
What is fluid in brain called?
Cerebrospinal fluid
What is a cerebrospinal fluid?
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is a laboratory test to examine a sample of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Are red blood cells found in cerebrospinal fluid?
Normally there are no red blood cells in cerebrospinal fluid, but some kinds of injuries can cause bleeding into the cerebrospinal fluid in which case there will be red blood cells.
The fluid flowing through the CNS?
cerebrospinal fluid
What fluid surround and protect the backbone?
Cerebrospinal Fluid.
